Apple Picking in the Laurentides: Best Orchards and Season

The best apple picking in the Laurentides is in the orchard belt of Saint-Joseph-du-Lac, Oka and Saint-Eustache, on the hills overlooking Lac des Deux Montagnes, less than an hour from Montréal. The season runs from late August to mid-October, with dozens of family orchards offering pick-your-own apples, pumpkins, cider tastings, tractor rides and mini-farms. Here is how to plan the perfect orchard day.

When is apple season in the Laurentides?

Québec apples ripen in waves, so the variety you find depends on the week you visit. Typical timing in the southern Laurentides:

Period	Main varieties	What to expect
Mid to late August	Paula Red, early McIntosh strains	Season opening, fewer crowds
Early to mid September	McIntosh, Lobo, Cortland	Peak choice, best for baking and snacking
Late September	Spartan, Honeycrisp, Gala	Busiest weekends, pumpkins arrive
Early to mid October	Empire, Liberty, late varieties	Fall colours, Thanksgiving crowds

Weather shifts the calendar by a week or two every year, so always check the orchard’s own update before leaving.

Best orchards in Saint-Joseph-du-Lac

Saint-Joseph-du-Lac is the apple capital of the region, with orchards lining Chemin Principal and the surrounding rangs.

• Domaine Lafrance: pick from August to October, then enjoy a mini-farm, playgrounds, picnic areas, a bistro, tractor rides and fresh apple doughnuts. The estate also produces cider and spirits.
• Cidrerie Lacroix: a large orchard with around 20 varieties, a bistro for brunch or lunch, orchard walks and a kids’ package, open roughly late August to mid-October.
• Verger Richard Legault: orchard trail, a shop with prepared meals and homemade products, a playground and a mini-farm; dogs are welcome on a leash.
• Other family orchards: Verger Méli-Mélo, Verger Fleuripom, Verger biologique Joannette (organic) and Verger Trottier, a multi-generation cider house.

Orchards in Oka

• Labonté de la pomme: a family agritourism orchard with about 25 fruit varieties (apples, pears, plums), squash and pumpkins in fall, a honey house with a glass beehive, a petting zoo, trails and gourmet picnics.
• Jude-Pomme: a smaller orchard on Rang Sainte-Sophie, popular with locals.

Make it a full day by adding a hike on the Calvaire; see our Oka National Park guide.

Saint-Eustache and Mirabel

• La Magie de la Pomme (Saint-Eustache): apples, pumpkins and squash, plus a sunflower maze, a corn maze, tractor rides, a mini-farm and sunset evenings.
• Ferme Roland Cloutier and A. Bélisle et Fils (Saint-Eustache): long-time family farms with pick-your-own in season.
• Mirabel berry farms: several farms offer strawberry and raspberry picking in summer, before the apple season.

Pumpkins, squash and grape harvests

Apple season overlaps with other harvests that make the trip even better:

• Pumpkins: most big orchards add a pumpkin patch from mid-September through Halloween.
• Squash: the Courges de Saint-Joseph-du-Lac interpretation centre grows about 40 varieties and opens around September 1.
• Grape harvest: Vignoble Rivière du Chêne in Saint-Eustache offers harvest experiences on fall weekends (September 19 to October 12 in 2026), with a guided tasting. Book ahead.

How much does apple picking cost?

Most orchards charge by the bag rather than by entry. Typical 2026 prices around Montréal:

Item	Typical price range
Small bag (about 5–7 lb)	$12–$18
Large bag (about 15–20 lb)	$25–$40
Pumpkin	$5–$20 depending on size
Hay or tractor ride, mini-farm	Often included; some charge a few dollars
Parking	Usually free; a few busy orchards charge on weekends

Some orchards also charge an entry fee on peak weekends to manage crowds. Bring a card and some cash.

Tips for a great orchard day

• Go early: Saturday afternoons in late September and Thanksgiving weekend are packed.
• Pick properly: lift and twist the apple upward instead of pulling, so you do not break next year’s buds.
• Wear boots: rows can be muddy after rain.
• Do not eat unwashed fruit: orchards may treat trees; wash apples at home.
• Bring a cooler: apples keep longer chilled.
• Combine with colours: late September matches peak foliage; see our fall colours guide.

Cider, ice cider and local products

The orchard belt is also Québec’s cider country. Many orchards sell sparkling cider, ice cider and apple products such as jellies, butters and pies. Tasting rooms follow Québec alcohol rules, so choose a designated driver; the SAAQ enforces zero alcohol for young and new drivers. For breweries and distilleries further north, read our guide to craft breweries in the Laurentides.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to go apple picking near Montréal?

Mid-September to early October offers the most varieties and the nicest weather. Weekdays are far less crowded.

How far is Saint-Joseph-du-Lac from Montréal?

About 40 to 50 minutes by car from downtown, via Autoroute 13 or 640. Cyclists can ride from the REM station in Deux-Montagnes.

Are dogs allowed in orchards?

Some orchards welcome leashed dogs, such as Verger Richard Legault; many do not for food-safety reasons. Ask before you go.

Can I pick apples in October?

Yes, usually until Thanksgiving or mid-October, but choice narrows to late varieties. Some orchards close picking earlier after a heavy frost.

Do I need to reserve?

Most orchards do not require reservations, but special activities, grape harvests and group visits do.

Conclusion

Apple picking in Saint-Joseph-du-Lac, Oka and Saint-Eustache is one of the easiest fall outings from Montréal: fresh fruit, farm animals, cider and views over the lake in a single afternoon. Plan for September, go early and leave room in the trunk for pumpkins. For more seasonal inspiration, read our best time to visit the Laurentides guide, and if you want to stay the weekend, browse chalets.thelaurentides.com.